Tired Big Brother ~ Ballard in-home newborn session

In-home newborn sessions are becoming a favorite for me. They are relaxed, slow paced, and everyone is at ease because they are in comfortable surroundings. Snacks, lovies, and favorite toys are nearby when distractions or change of pace is needed. This session was the quintessential in-home photo shoot.

I met the Alex family in the fall of 2015. They were first time parents and Levi was not even a year old. I have since seen them right before their second was born for a maternity/holiday family session, and then again in their home for Jacob’s newborn photos. Minh-Hai and Ben are relaxed, calm people and Levi is clearly the product of very stable, consistent parenting. He is a little tentative at first, but warms into a fun-loving, expressive toddler. Maybe it was all the excitement but on the morning I spent with them, Levi was uncharacteristically tired. He had slept in later than normal and yet was still running low on energy. He was subdued and spent lots of time laying on the floor. After a little while he asked to take a nap.

We moved from the living room upstairs to Levi’s room. They played a little, read a storybook, and then he was off to la-la-land. After that, I got to spend some moments with Minh-Hai and Ben where they could savor the time with undivided attention on Jacob. I remember when my youngest was a newborn, it always seemed extra sweet when my oldest was at school or sleeping and I got to give my baby my full energy. I remember exchanging looks with my husband or just sitting and watching him sleep. I think with the second child, you learn to appreciate the smallest moments even more because you realize how fleeting they are. Also, you are constantly spreading energy in multiple places, so to just focus on one child is extra special.

And a bonus slideshow!

Alex Family – February 2017 from Kellie Pecoraro Photography on Vimeo.